The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Friday, February 25, 2011

North Carolina Focus: We Have a Moral Obligation

This comes from North Carolina Democrat Billy Kennedy:

As spring approaches, the snow is finally melting, our cows are beginning to have calves, the grass is starting to turn green again, and it's a time for renewal and new hope. I'm trying to stay optimistic about our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. I believe we have a moral obligation to try to leave the world better than we found it.

We need to focus on affordable access to good education for all children. Republicans are trying to dismantle the public education system and deny the rights and benefits they received to others. We need to focus on bringing our jobs back to the United States. Especially here in the 5th District, we need to focus on bringing farming back to a personal level and creating a new generation of family owned small farms. The average age of farmers here is 55. Who will grow our food in the next generation?

Some believe that we should turn our future over to the largest corporations and the super rich. History has taught us that this doesn't work.

We also need unbiased scientific research on the environment. In the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter tried to make alternative fuels, solar, wind energy and conservation part of our lives. Reagan undid all this. If we had kept those priorities, we could now be leading the world in alternative energy products. We can and should do better.

As I said on the campaign trail, Americans are resilient, resourceful, innovative and willing to try new solutions. We have been faced with enormous odds in the past from the Great Depression to World War II to the Civil Rights movement. All seemed hopeless at times, yet we succeeded by coming together and doing what was right for all. The people who challenged the status quo faced danger, stigmatization and ridicule, yet they persevered and we all are reaping the benefits of their sacrifices.

Today we stand at another crossroads in our history. We can give up and let the selfish forces of corporate profit control our lives and our descendants, or we could stand up and call out the politicians who are beholden to special interests and big money. We can take action at the local, state and national levels to effect these necessary changes.

When we look back in 20 or 30 years, we will see whether we adapted to the future or went backward and missed opportunities. I challenge you all to get involved, stay involved, find a part to play, and become a piece of the puzzle of American democracy. You will find that your life will be better because of it. Communities will grow stronger.

I've heard from many supporters since the election. I am grateful for the continued enthusiasm and thanks, and I thank you all for your help on our quest. Before deciding what course to take next I'm reaching out to people and listening to their opinions. I'd love to hear from you.